Ward Brothers "sunbathing" Black Duck

Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984) Crisfield, MD, 1966 13 in. long

This preening black duck is among the Ward Brothers' finest decorative carvings. Indeed, a two-page letter from Lem to his friend and patron Dr. Morton Kramer addresses Lem's strong feelings regarding this work. The writing states: “Morty the purpose of this note to you is this. Should Nothing unforseen happen, I will finish the Black duck today. I am speaking about the one I started for the ‘Shelburne Museum.' As I told you before if I ever had a good piece of work, I mean work that I feel that I cannot improve on, I would give you first choice. Well this is one of them…” He continues, “But if I had a little money you or no other man would ever own this duck, I have to do it this way to exist.”

The burl base is titled "SUNBATHING" and has a painted signature "L. T. WARD CRiSFiELD, MD -1966-." Original paint with minimal wear. Corner of wooden base is loose.

Provenance: Dr. Morton Kramer Collection, acquired from the artist Private Collection, Maryland, acquired from the above

Literature: Glenn Lawson and Ida Ward Linton, "The Story of Lem Ward," Exton, PA 1984, p. 113, exact carving illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. Morton Kramer Collection, acquired from the artist Private Collection, Maryland, acquired from the above